Amplitude integrated electroencephalography: a practical approach toward interpretation in critically ill preterm newborns.

Abstract

The modern realities of independent Ukraine are associated with many challenges due to the invasion of a neighboring aggressor country. According to national statistics, the number of newborns in 2023 decreased by 31.05 % compared to 2021, while the incidence of low birth weight babies, including premature births, increased from 5.99 to 6.09 %. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a modern method of long-term monitoring of brain function in newborns with the possibility of simultaneous continuous video monitoring. The main indications for this research method in premature infants include 1) assessment of cerebral function and degree of cerebral damage in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or birth asphyxia (often in combination with therapeutic hypothermia); 2) assessment of sleep-wake cycle; 3) detection of seizures; 4) assessment of the maturity of cerebral function. Interpretation of aEEG results should be based on "physiological" norms for different gestational ages. The aim of the study is to investigate the peculiarities of the maturation of bioelectrical activity of the brain in premature infants according to the data of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography.